The announcement that Ben Affleck is the new Batman for 2015’s follow-up to this summer’s Man of Steel took everyone by surprise, especially when actors like Ryan Gosling, Josh Brolin and Richard Armitage have recently been brought up as possible candidates.

However, perhaps even more surprising was the negative backlash which followed.

With “#BetterBatmanThanBenAffleck” trending worldwide on Twitter and petitions being started up, the amount of negativity is shocking considering that we’re talking about the same man who many were horrified not to see receive either a “Best Director” or “Best Actor” nod for Argo at this year’s Oscars just a few short months ago.

Well, here are ten reasons why you may want to take a minute to think things over and see that Ben is in fact the best possible choice to be the next big screen Batman!

10. We Need Someone Fresh And Exciting After Christian Bale

Regardless of how you felt about the gruff voice used by Christian Bale when he donned the cape and cowl, there can be no doubting the fact that he was ultimately a superb Batman, and THAT is why it won’t be easy for anyone to follow in his footsteps. However, seeing as director Zack Snyder wants an actor who, “is older and wiser than Clark Kent and bears the scars of a seasoned crime fighter,” Ben Affleck is most definitely the right man for the job at this stage in his career. Just as he’s matured as an actor, his age and acting range will mean that what he brings to the character will give us perhaps the most unique and interesting take on Batman yet.

(Photo: Splash)

9. He’s A Comic Book Fan

While this ultimately won’t be all that important to non-comic book readers, fanboys love to know that the actors playing their favourite characters are actually familiar with the source material. He’s talked about his passion for the comic books numerous times in the past, recently saying: “"I would love to do [a comic book movie] if it was the right one, if I thought I could do it well. I think you have to, with any movie, have an idea for it that's original and unique and committed to it, and that's a hard thing to find." Looks like he’s found it in Batman vs. Superman!

8. The Town

Despite some solid performances throughout his career, Ben Affleck at some point became an actor synonymous with bad movies and even worse performances. However, it would be The Town which showed people that, yes, Ben is in fact a great actor. This role was particularly physical (and his shirtless scenes were proof enough that he is indeed buff enough to play Batman) and the dark and brooding Doug MacRay is arguably a perfect template for the equally dark and brooding superhero.

7. Argo

It may seem strange to single out another of Affleck’s recent films, but as his most successful yet (it would go on to win “Best Picture” at this year’s Academy Awards), it’s further proof that people need to stop using the likes of Gigli as a reason for Affleck not to play Batman. It’s time to sit up and see just how talented he is not only behind the camera, but also in front of it. With Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston having recently expressed interest in playing Lex Luthor, it may have also given us an idea as to what we’ll see in 2015.

6. He Deserves Another Chance To Play A Superhero

Fans hated Daredevil. Critics hated Daredevil. Even Ben Affleck hated Daredevil! However, while it may have been one of Marvel’s most uninspired comic book adaptations, many agree that its saving grace was Ben Affleck’s performance. Lumbered with subpar direction and a cringe worthy screenplay, the actor at least delivered an “ok” performance. However, of all the actors fans want to see play their favourite superheroes, Affleck definitely deserves another chance. It’s worked before (look at Chris Evans, who would go on to play Captain America after starring in the awful Fantastic Four movies).

(Photo: Warner Bros)

5. He Has The Right Look For Bruce Wayne…

Let’s face it, Ben Affleck still looks great for a 41 year old. Having seen him walk the red carpet, it’s easy to imagine him having no trouble at all in convincing moviegoers that he is indeed a handsome billionaire playboy. Most comic books have portrayed Bruce Wayne as being as equally serious and stoic as his alter ego, while Christopher Nolan’s movies would take more of a Tony Stark like approach. Either way, it’s not hard imagining Affleck being thoroughly convincing if he’s required to deliver these versions or even something totally new.

4. …And The Right Look For An Experienced Batman Too

Equally important of course is whether or not he’ll look right in THAT mask. Well, thanks to Daredevil, we already know that Ben can pull that off (even if it was in leather), and he certainly has a strong enough chin! Whether or not he chooses to adopt a voice as guttural - and occasionally hard to understand- as Christian Bale is another thing altogether, but Affleck has already shown that he has all the right attributes to be an imposing and suitably frightening Batman.

3. He Wouldn’t Have Signed Up To The Project If He Didn’t Have Complete Faith In It

Let’s face it. After the success of Argo, Ben Affleck is not an actor who needs to take on a role in a big Hollywood blockbuster just for the money or recognition. He arguably has his pick of projects, so the fact that he’s willing to take on a superhero role – something he once vowed would never happen again – is a sign that he has a great deal of faith in the team of David Goyer and Zack Snyder. This is not only good news for fans hoping that the team-up movie will live up to their expectations, but also a good sign that DC and Warner Bros. are finally taking their cinematic universe as seriously as Marvel.

(Photo: Getty)

2. It Could Lead To Him Directing Justice League

Earlier this year, a rumour started doing the rounds that Warner Bros., who at one point wanted Affleck to direct Man of Steel and later DC’s version of The Avengers, Justice League, were keen on him taking on the role of Batman in the latter. Well, while they have now obviously fulfilled one half of that wish, one can only hope that he enjoys playing the Caped Crusader enough to return to helm the long delayed superhero ensemble which will not only reunite Batman and Superman, but also include the likes of Green Lantern and Wonder Woman!

1. He’s The Right Man To Deliver The Definitive Take On The Caped Crusader

Ask a fan which version of Batman they most like outside of the comic books and you’re unlikely to hear the same answer twice. Whether it’s a cartoon, video game or one of the many live-action movies, everyone has a favourite, but almost all agree that we are yet to see the definitive take on the character. Well, with a fanboy like Zack Snyder at the helm and an actor like Affleck donning the cape and cowl, this movie has the potential to finally deliver the definitive take on the iconic superhero. All the right ingredients are there and now it’s just a case of waiting to see them all come together perfectly…